Bill’s AL MVP Analysis

Viewers of Major League Baseball can easily tell that there isn’t a clear American League MVP this year, especially since a five foot-seven inch second baseman is in the conversation. It is with much deliberation and research that I present you, my reader, with my pick for the AL MVP:

1. Justin Morneau, MinnesotaTwins

Morneau wins his second MVP award while again going completely unnoticed by the national media. Playing in Minnesota may not get a player much recognition nation wide, but it doesn’t diminish his numbers. Morneau ranks 9th in batting average (.310), 17th (23) in homeruns and 2nd in RBI (120). He is also an astonishing 8th in on base percentage (.385). Morneau also boasts a top 10 ranking in slugging percentage (.525) and OPS (.910). No other player ranks as high in every category as does Morneau, and he has done it for a team that is still in the race for a playoff spot. He also plays an above average first base. With no one running away with the award this year, Morneau is the choice in the end as all other players have at least one weakness, whether it is not hitting for power or average, or their play in the field.

2. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

He still can’t hit in the clutch, but one can hardly argue with 33 homeruns, another 100 RBI and a .300 season to go along with stellar third base play.

3. Aubrey Huff, Baltimore Orioles

Another overlooked player, but on a team nowhere close to the playoffs. He never had to play under pressure all season long, and just didn’t have the numbers to win it.

4. Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox

Put up impressive numbers when no one thought he would. The batting average is very close to .300 and the 36 homeruns are impressive, but he was simply outplayed by the men above him.

5. Josh Hamilton, TexasRangers

He was the early season story of the year, and then he seemed to drop off the face of the earth. He is currently 1st in RBIs, but has slipped just enough in the other categories to give up the award. It also hurt him that he hasn’t played in a game that counted since July.

6. Raul Ibanez, Seattle Mariners

Another unheard of player on the worst team in baseball, but someone had to help that team win a few games. His .310 average and the fact that he ranks 4th in RBI are both impressive, but once again, he plays for the Mariners.

7. Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers

Another solid year, as to be expected, but the Tigers never did get rolling to a point where anyone thought they were serious about contending. Maggs brings it to the ballpark everyday and in a down year for him, is still in the top five in batting average.

8. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

For all that money, he better play well enough to get some MVP consideration. Cabrera is currently 3rd in both homeruns and RBI and has played well enough on the defensive end to warrant this ranking.

9. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox

It may seem surprising that the heart throb of the national baseball media is this far down on the list, but seriously, his overall statistics just don’t stack up. He is first in batting average, but the only other major category that he is in the top 20 in is on base percentage where he comes in at 13. He doesn’t hit for power, but he is clutch and does play a very good second base. He is a couple years away from being in serious contention for the award, but he will get there.

10. Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox

Dye once again put up some very credible offensive numbers, which is the reason he is on this list, but his defense slipped this year as it was obvious he was at least one step slower in the outfield.

11. Ian Kinsler, TexasRangers

One of three Rangers on this list, which sounds crazy, but he did post MVP consideration worthy numbers this year. His numbers are very close to Pedroia’s as he ranks fifth in batting average and 15th in on base percentage. He is not nearly as impressive as Pedroia on either side, which is why he is down here.

12. Joe Mauer, MinnesotaTwins

Mauer had more of a chance to get the award much earlier in the season, but he has yet to show that he can hit for much power at all which is usually expected out of the catcher. He does rank 3rd in the league with a .322 batting average and is 2nd in on base percentage, but his lack of power puts him down here.

13. Milton Bradley, TexasRangers

Had he been able to play more this season, he may be higher on the list, but his stats still stack up well against others if he would have carried on. He just did it in 100 or so fewer at bats.

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About Bill Jordan

Bill Jordan is a contributor to BaseballReflections.com. He can be reached by email for comment or review requests at BillJordanIV@yahoo.com. He lives, works, and writes in Ellicottville, NY.
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